Memorializing Chambers County’s fallen heroes

ANAHUAC— Each year during National Police Week, the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office honors those who gave their lives to protect their communities.

On Tuesday, May 13, CCSO held an annual Moment at the Memorial, honoring four people who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Just outside of the Chambers County Courthouse, under the shade of trees, rests a large stone memorial for the officers, which is where the memorial was held.

“As long as I’m the sheriff, we will always have this Moment at the Memorial,” Sheriff Brian Hawthorne said.

Honored were Sheriff John Lighter Frost, end of watch on Nov. 10, 1900; Deputy Constable Levi E. Oliver, end of watch on March 5, 1930; Deputy Sheriff Dirk Ray Knearem, end of watch on Oct. 17, 2004; and Deputy Sheriff Shane Thomas Detwiler, end of watch on July 13, 2009.

Hawthorne noted the attendance of Detwiler’s parents, Mike and Cheryl Railsback.

“I appreciate y’all always being here faithfully,” Hawthorne said. “It’s important to me that we not only honor Shane, but we honor everybody else across the country that lost their life in the line of duty.”

Cheryl shared that her son had always wanted to be in law enforcement.

He previously served in the Army, earning a Bronze Star while serving in Iraq. Two months after he became a sheriff’s deputy, he lost his life doing what he loved.

“He always wanted to do that. He was a big G.I. Joe fan,” Cheryl said with a laugh.

During the memorial, Hawthorne shared recent national statistics. In 2023, 157 officers were lost, 49 from gunfire, and in 2024, 165 officers were lost, 52 from gunfire.

“As the sheriff of the county, I hope we never add another name to the memorial that is behind us,” Hawthorne said.